Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
The BEST oven-roasted cauliflower and it’s so easy. The flavor and texture are perfect with just some simple seasoning, oil, and butter.
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Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This baked cauliflower recipe is a go-to side dish like Corn on the Cob and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. It’s a dish you’ll make over and over.
This oven-roasted cauliflower is easy and excellent. The combination of butter and olive oil caramelizes the florets and they are baked to crisp-tender perfection. The best thing about this recipe is that you can customize the seasoning with what you have on hand with great results.
The Best Seasoning for Cauliflower
Cauliflower goes well with just about any seasoning. Even a simple salt and pepper seasoning works well. These are the seasonings we love most:
- Salt – we love fine sea salt
- Black Pepper – freshly cracked
- Garlic Powder – or try garlic salt
- Paprika – adds color and flavor (a little goes a long way)
Can I add cheese? we love to add cheese to cauliflower. Sprinkle cauliflower with 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a parmesan roasted cauliflower.
How to Roast Cauliflower
This roasted cauliflower recipe is so easy to make and uses ingredients you most likely already have on hand
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Slice the cauliflower into traditional florets or into flat cauliflower steaks.
- Seasoning- Add the cauliflower to the center of your baking sheet, drizzle with oil and butter, and toss to coat. Season the cauliflower and toss again then spread into a single layer.
- Bake cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, or until desired tenderness and golden at the edges. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your pieces.
How to Slice Cauliflower into Steaks: Slice the cauliflower head into 4-5 wedges. Then, cut the wedges into even 1/2″ thick steaks and break them apart into bite-sized pieces. As they are roasted, the flat sides caramelize against the baking sheet adding a depth of flavor. It also results in evenly browned pieces.
How Long to Bake Cauliflower?
The bake time for roasted cauliflower will depend on the size, thickness, and desired doneness of your pieces.
- Smaller pieces – you only need about 15-20 minutes.
- Larger florets – bake 20-25 minutes. Until the cauliflower is caramelized and golden.
Air Fryer Instructions:
Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is quick and easy. When air frying, I skip the butter and just use 2-3 Tbsp olive oil. Air fry cauliflower at 375˚ for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until golden and tender.
Make-Ahead
- Meal Prep – you can pre-chop your cauliflower a few days ahead, cover and refrigerate then add seasoning before roasting.
- Refrigerate – once cooled to room temperature, you can cover and refrigerate leftover roasted cauliflower for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – You can reheat the cauliflower on the stovetop, oven, or air fryer just until heated through.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you loved this roasted cauliflower, be sure to try these fail-proof side dish recipes:
- Easy Roasted Carrots
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Vegetable Stir Fry
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad
- Creamy Mushroom Asparagus
Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
The most delicious oven-roasted cauliflower recipe that will become your go-to side dish. Cauliflower florets drizzled in oil and butter and seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, sliced in small florets, or 1/2" thick steaks
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Slice the head of cauliflower into 1/2" thick steaks, breaking up wedges into even, bite-sized pieces.
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Add the cauliflower to the center of the baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and melted butter and toss to combine.
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In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper for the seasoning. Sprinkle onto caulliflower and toss to evenly coat.
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Spread the cauliflower evenly on the baking sheet and bake at 425˚F for 15-20 minutes, until cauliflower reaches desired crispiness.
Recipe Notes
Bake time will slightly vary depending on the size of your florets or slices.
You may substitute oil instead of butter if you don’t want to use any butter.
Valentina Ablaev
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I made this easy, peasy recipe & it was delicious! I made it to toss in with rigatoni with a little butter & oil & a fresh tomato ~ so good!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I have cauliflower roasting in the oven. Excited to try it, Now a friend sent me a recipe for cauliflower salad instead of potato salad. I want to try using the roasted cauliflower for this instead of boiled cauliflower. Any reason it wouldn’t work?
Hi Anita, I have not tested that to advise but I think it is going to be a great experiment! If you try that, please share with us how it goes.
Can these be frozen and reheated in air fryer or will they get mushy?
Thank you
Hi Yvonne, we like them best fresh!
I made the roasted cauliflower recipe tonight and it was absolutely delicious. I like that it cooks in 20 minutes. Thanks for creating it.
Hi Juanita! So glad you enjoy this recipe. Thank you for the review.
Great Recipe! Very easy, with ingredients I have at home. Used vegan margarine instead of butter and it came out great. Will try with brocolli or brussel sprouts.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Susan!
I forgot to add my 5 stars in my last comment.
Here you go !!
We absolutely love this.
Shared and now my daughter in law loves it also.
I thought the seasonings were a bit skimpy, I had a zip bag full of florets ( maybe I had too much cauliflower) I doubled them. I was in a hurry to get this in the oven so I stood the bag in the microwave and heated for 4 minutes then dumped the seasonings into the bag, tossed and baked. Shortened time by 8-10 minutes.
ENJOY!
The Parmesan at the last
minute is a great addition.
I’m so glad it was a hit, Ruth Ann! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Hi Natasha. Your roasted cauliflower recipe is SO easy. My 18-year old grandson loves it. Cauliflower curbs my desire for red meat(diverticulosis). I eat baked pink salmon instead. Yummers.🔥. DELICIOUS
Hello Linda, yes that’s right. It is so easy to make and I’m glad yu all love it!
Hi Natasha, I made this today. It was so so good.
I accompanied with rice and your recipe Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce. These goes top together.
Thank you for the recipe.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Mirella!
Why anytime I click on Natasha’s link I get everything in writing why are there no links in video I’m a watch the cook learner not reading unless I’m doing sometimg wrong.
Hi Fredrick, not all of my recipes have videos to them, some are just in writing. If the recipe has a video, it will usually say “video” in the title. This recipe does not have a video.
Excellent. I always come to Natasha’s kitchen for her unexcelled take on flavor proportion, no matter what it is I am looking to prepare.
Hi there John, thank you so much for the trust! I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try.
Holy Cow!!! This was fantastic!! I made it in my Ninja Foodi air fryer with garlic powder and Johnny’s Garlic Seasoning. Tomorrow I’m getting some fresh broccoli and finish off the head of cauliflower and add the broccoli. It was a huge hit!!
That’s fantastic! Thanks a lot for sharing that with us, Lee Anne. It always makes me happy when I read some awesome review.
This is divine!! I was a little lazy and cut up and tossed with olive oil and garlic salt. Roasted as directed and it was wonderful!!
Awesome! Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Mary.
I’ve made this recipe several times. You need to adjust the spices to your own taste as it is a bit bland. Can you cook this in an air fryer?
Hi Joann, yes you can cook this in the air fryer. I have provided the Air Fryer instructions in the recipe too.
If I wanted/needed to cook this in the oven while my meat cooked at 350 would I still get the same end product just cooking it longer or does it have to be roasted at a high heat?
Hi Lisa, that should work just be testing for doneness and keep in mind it will take longer to roast at 350.
Really delicious. The paprika and butter were additions that I hadn’t used before, and they really do set this recipe above the standard oil+salt+pepper recipe!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Derek! Thank you for sharing that with us!
i accidentally used a little too much salt, but aside from that these were great!! thanks for sharing!
Only difference is after I quarter it I steam the cauliflower for 10 minute’s then allow to cool. Then roast. It comes out Crispy tender.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, John!
Delicious!!! I used a little bit of ghee with the OO and butter. We love smoked paprika, so I used that as well. I turned the broiler on high for the last minute or two. Served with roasted zucchini, onions, and bell peppers, and pulled pork with homemade mustard BBQ sauce.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Rana!
Mine are in the oven as we speak. i think i might have added more salt…but i had a huge head! My florets are also a bit bigger…so i’m going to have to cook it for longer. they smell so good and i can’t wait to dive in! My kids enjoy roasted cauliflower too. I’m serving them along side flank steak! Thanks Natasha! Your videos are delightful!!
I hope you will all love it! Thank you for your support.
I make this all the time but I tried Natasha’s recipe and it was SEVERELY lacking in seasoning. Is it worth making ? 100% !!! But double the seasonings
Hi Gary, thanks for the feedback. I’ve never had that problem before but feel free to add more seasoning according to your personal preference.
This recipe is good. I doubled the recipe and switched the baking trays halfway.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
This was yummy! Do add the Parmesan cheese, it really helps with the flavor.
THank you for your excellent feedback, Sue! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
I just grew some Cauliflower this winter, and prepared one of the heads via your recipe. Was very delicious. I’m going to use this same premise with Ojra that I grew and froze this year. Will be delicious as well. Your recipes are appreciated. We’ll written and thought out. I have used several of your recipes, as a base for creating my own. Thank you and Happy New Years to you and your family!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lee! Happy New Year!
Did you mean okra? did you try roasting it like the cauliflower yet? i’ve eaten okra all my life but never tried it oven roasted…just in curries, stir fries or gumbo. I am curious to know how it turned out if you tried 🙂
Oops! I forgot to mention that I added 1 tsp of Chicken flavored, “Better Than Bouillon”. I forgot to add it in my second batch, and I really have to say, I liked the extra savor!
Thanks for mentioning that, Rae.
This is delish! I think that little bit of butter adds so much to this recipe. Thanks!
It sure does! I’m glad you enjoyed that, Susan!
This looks delicious. However, I am not great at cutting up cauliflower. Typically, when I try to cut it up it all falls apart into more of the “chunky rice” version. What am I doing wrong so that I can get the pretty bite size florets like you have here? Thanks!!
Hi Kristin, the easiest way I’ve found to cut a cauliflower is to pull off the leaves then cut the whole cauliflower into 4 quarters, cut off the core/stem from each quarter, then pull apart the florets on each quarter and they should end up fairly even-sized.
So simple and sooooo yummy! I will definitely be making this again. I used Amish Roll Butter and it added great flavor. Thank you Natasha – I’ll go looking for more of your recipes.
You’re welcome, Barbara! Happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe.
If you are scrolling through recipes to try to find something easy, quick and delicious to do with your cauliflower then I would stop here. My kids both went back for seconds, even my cauliflower averse husband liked it. Definitely a keeper for us. Thanks so much!!
That makes me so happy to hear, I’m so glad the whole family enjoyed the recipe.
I found this recipe way too bland. I had to come back and season again after roasting. I suggest doubling the spices/salt.
Hi Melissa, if using a large cauliflower, you would definitely need more seasoning or season to taste.
I always make this, and a few months ago, when we dined at one of NYC restaurants, there was cauliflower with turmeric. I then recreated the dish at home, adding a bit of cumin as well, and the taste was just amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Irina!
This was so easy and absolutely beautiful to behold and delicious. I made a blue cheese dip to accompany.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Annie!
Good recipe! I combined everything in bowl, and added some roasted sesame oil for a little extra taste. As it came out of the oven, I sprinkled a very thin layer of Parmesan cheese on it and it turned out great!
Easy weekday cook!
Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Nadia! Thank you for your great review!
What is the Serving size? Your nutritional value says 100 calories per serving size but you never say the serving size.
And mine came out deliciously crispy (although I added just a little bit of gluten free breadcrumbs as a cheat 🙂
Hi Lori, The serving size can be found at the beginning of the print-friendly recipe card (located at the bottom of the recipe post). The nutrition label shows counts “per serving.” This recipe serves 6 people. So 1/6th of the recipe is a serving. Hope that helps!
I tried the recipe to the letter. Although I used salted butter, so I would in the future add less salt to the concoction. I have read some reviews that indicated the veggies were somewhat soggy. My solution was to remove the veg after about 20 minutes roasting, grate parmesan cheese, then place the baking pan under the broiler for 3 or 4 minutes to crisp. The result was absolutely superb!!!!!!! Thank You Natasha../…
I’m glad that worked out for you, Gregory! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Cauliflower is roasting in the oven now and it looks and smells fantastic … can’t wait to enjoy with dinner. Will respond once we have tasted it as well.
Easy and beautiful caramelized color developing. Love your idea of half butter and half olive oil. Thanks!
I’m sure you’re excited about the taste test! Please update us on how it goes, Dawn.
Turned out wonderfully! Delicious. Mine turned out a little soggy – not quite as crispy as hoped but I believe this is due to using too much butter+oil for the amount of cauliflower (used a smaller sized head). Will adjust next time.
That could be the case, hopefully, it will be perfect next time. Thanks for your review, Dawn!
The taste was great !! tho mine turned out soggy… a bit crisp on sides, but not crunchy. I don’t think it was too much oil / butter tho.. cuz my florets pretty dry when I put in ove. I roasted for 25 min or so, and broil for approx. 2 min .. afraid they’ll burnt so I just left it this way. Anyone experience the same thing? How to overcome this ?
I’m not sure if this is the case for you, but make sure you are using fresh cauliflower and not frozen which will turn out soggy every time.
Hello we had the roasted cauliflower with stir fry brown rice and carrots it was delicious and we had baked bbq chicken my family loved it. can’t wait to try your next recipes
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Shelia!
My dinner plan is, grilled salmon with oven roasted cauliflower, carrots and mushrooms.
Yum! That sounds like a delicious and amazing dinner! I hope you loved it all!
I followed the recipe almost exactly tonight, and the cauliflower tasted great! The only change I made was that I microwaved the raw cauliflower steaks for 3 minutes on high, then let them sit until I was ready to roast them. I did this because I was concerned about them drying out too much at the high temperature. I added some cheese to half the batch, but I really liked them better without cheese. The texture was great. I did leave them in for 35 minutes rather than 25. Thanks for the tips on roasting fresh cauliflower.
I forgot to mention that the cauliflower tasted so close to roasted potatoes, I’ve never achieved that before. The texture was so good!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Pat! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
A fantastic recipe and so easy. When my husband tried it, he wanted to know if I made more. Making it tonight to add to our salad.
Sounds perfect, thanks for your great review! I’m you glad you both enjoyed this recipe, Jeanie!
This is such a great recipe! My husband and I both loved it. Instead of plain salt, I used some Smoked Cheddar Salt that I had on hand which got me into cheese mode… so I topped it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It was delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe Natasha!
Hello Gabi, thank you for your wonderful comments and feedback. I’m happy to hear that you and your husband loved the recipe!
Any chance you have made this in an air fryer and, if so, what temp and time. Thanks. Love your videos and recipes!
Hi Faye, I haven’t tested it in an air fryer, we roasted this recipe, but if you’re using an Air Fryer, there should be an air fry setting – I’d love to know how you like this recipe.
This is the only way I will prepare cauliflower from now on. It’s a challenge to find vegetable recipes my grandchildren love, but they sure love this one and so do I!
That’s so awesome! I’m glad you found a new favorite method, Mary!
Delicious! Made it between meetings while working from home. It was the perfect snack. Thanks for always providing great recipes.
Hello Rachel, you are very welcome! I’m glad you loved it, thanks for your good comments and feedback!
If I use my air fryer for the cauliflower, do I use roast or bake?
Thanks. I would like to try it.
Hi Win, we roasted this recipe, but if you’re using an Air Fryer, there should be an air fry setting.
Delicious, my kids said they don’t like cauliflower but when they tried this they wanted more 😋
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
Loved this, your recipes are so easy to follow, love your videos, will be doing your velvet cake for Easter, cant wait. Thank you
Thank you for that wonderful feedback, Annette! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
You’re right, my new favorite roasted cauliflower recipe! The combination of olive oil and “butter” made it really special. I did use vegan butter instead of real butter and it tasted great. Thanks for the recipe.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Just took a bite!
Mmmm…
This is yummy 😋
Thank you for the recipe!
You are very welcome, I’m glad you loved it!
i want recipes and also food that make s it a meal, meat plaua side dishes
Hi Jojo, this would pair well with so many different dishes like salmon, chicken, steaks, and pork tenderloin. You can see all of our main course dishes here.
Natasha you are the best enjoying your shows
Aww, I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, Helen!
Your recipes are absolutely helpful in making my decision for the next meal keep them coming
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for this wonderful comment!
Making this tonight, its my side to go along with my meatloaf.
Supper is going to be good tonight!!!
Yum! That sounds like the perfect dinner! I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
Thank you, Natasha! This cauliflower recipe is terrific. I recently found you on FaceBook and am mesmerized by your videos. They are always so fun!
Thank you.
You are very welcome, Carol. Thank you too for your support, I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
Thank you for the great recipes for vegetables love your recipes
You are very welcome, Theresa!
Looks amazing! Thank you! I live your recipes! I think I might have to make this tonight. Now to go thru your recipes to see what to have with it. 🙂
It is so good! I can’t wait for you to try it!
I made this and it was awesome! I added a little cheese and it was great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent! Perfect! I threw in asparagus and some shredded cheddar as well.
Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Thanks Natasha for posting this. I’ve been fixing cauliflower like this for some time now and it’s always tasty and easy. Just the kind of recipe I like esp. on busy days!
Thank you for sharing that, Connie!
Can I eliminate the butter and not substitute more oil? Trying to cut down on the fat content.
Hi Mary, yes that would still work great to make it lower fat.
Actually made this for lunch. Ate too much. It is very good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can I use this with broccoli as well, or is it only good for cauliflower?
Hello Jan, I haven’t really tested that to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes!
Hello! I would love to try this! When I roast cauliflower I usually season it with lemon, parsley, and capers. So good, i strongly suggest you try it! Thank you for all of your amazing recipes!
Yum! That sounds amazing, Tiana! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Wow! Thanks for the recipe. Please share more. Thanks
You’re welcome! I hope you give this one a try!
This was such a rich twist on roasted cauliflower. The butter made it sooo good!
I’m so glad you loved it! Yeah the butter is optional but definitely nice!
Yummy! This looks so delicious and I’m so glad I found this! I can’t wait to give this a try! So excited!
Thank you Beth! I hope you love this cauliflower recipe.
My son has a hard time eating veggies but he doesn’t mind when they are roasted! I’m so glad I found this recipe since this is how he’ll eat his cauliflower!
Wonderful! I’m so glad your son loved the roasted cauliflower.